Spring Into New Volunteer Opportunities!

Events, Volunteer Opportunities, Summer Programs, Classes and More

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Highlands Center Volunteer Opportunity

Highlands Center for Natural History

The Highlands Center for Natural History helps children and adults discover the wonders of nature and become wise caretakers of the land. We believe that everyone has a fundamental need to connect with the natural world. This connection is fostered by the Center through outdoor-science education based on observation and discovery of the Central Arizona Highlands.

The Highlands Center for Natural History has volunteer opportunities for people interested in education and the natural world.A few of the opportunities include Community Representative, Docent, Habitat Garden Maintenance, Highlands Host/Nature Store, Library Coordinator, Maintenance, Public Relations Coordinator and Refreshments Coordinator.

Experience Romance and Enchantment

OLLI offers the opportunity to see the award winning musical live at the ASU Gammage. Only 20 tickets left!

30 Fast Growing Careers For Seniors

Many seniors are going to need to continue to work to finance their retirement years. A new report predicts which industries will be the most likely to create new jobs and hire older workers.

Twenty Tickets Left For Jesus Christ SuperStar.

Jesus Christ Superstar at ASU Gammage Saturday, April 10th, bus leaves at 11 am, return by 8 pm Meet on the Yavapai College campus – by the flagpoles The first masterpiece from the legendary writing team of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber, exploded onto the scene in 1971 changing the world of musical theatre forever. With a score of amazing songs - “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” “Hosanna,” “Everything’s Alright,” “What’s the Buzz,” “Superstar” and “Heaven on Their Mind,” this original groundbreaking production starring Ted Neeley in the title role is as relevant and timeless as ever. Cost: $85 per person for members/ $90/non-members, includes dinner at PF Chang’s For further information about OLLI, it’s classes and dynamic field trips Contact Patricia Berlowe @ 717-7634 or Deni Harris @ 717-717-7631

Twelve Committed Travelers Are Off To Africa

Do you have a sense of adventure? Yavapai College Community Education's African Safari Edventure has only 3 slots left! Contact Heather Hurst, Coordinator Community Education/Edventures @ 717-7638 for further information.

Kirk Cunningham & His Wife Kathy To Volunteer In Greece

Kirk Cunningham and his wife Kathy have committed to teach English to school age children in Crete. This volunteer opportunity came to them through Global Volunteers. For more information on volunteering internationally click on Kirk's picture. An interview and pictures when Kirk and Kathy return. Exciting.

Yavapai College Continues To Celebrate The Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Through February

Yavapai College MLK Legacy Events

Have Fun In The Dirt? Prescott Department of Parks and Rec Needs Your Help.

Help to rebuild the Greenways Trail devastated by storm damage. Volunteers will meet at Mile High Middle School on Saturday, February 27 from 9:00 - 12:00. Contact Chris Hosking @ 928 - 777-1121 for further information. Help to make a difference in your community!

Veteran's History Project Looking For A Camera Person

The Veterans History Project of the American Folklife Center collects, preserves, and makes accessible the personal accounts of American war veterans so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand the realities of war. Contact Mary McCord @ 776-1185 to volunteer your services and/or your camera.

Retiree Connection Was Uplifting and Inspiring

We left the Retiree Connection's orientation with new and fresh ideas for the Dewey Humboldt Community Center. This was a great networking opportunity."

Erika Stone - Prescott Area Women's Shelter

"Volunteers help to keep our doors open."

The Medical Loan Closet Needs Volunteers

Catholic Charities Medical Loan Closet is a wonderful program in Prescott that provides support to community members by listening compassionately to their medical needs. It also provides low cost equipment from the Loan Closet and referrals to other resources within the community. Call Haley Hyatt @ 928-708-7279.

Retiree Connection "Water Smart" Commercials Are Aired

The Retiree Connection would like to thank Rick Derman and Clark Engle who were an integral part in 12 radio spots that are airing on KAHM. Clark Engle collaborated with Donna Bellina to supply the voice talent. Rick Derman did a great job writing some upbeat commercials about the "Water Smart" Program that were informative and represented the voice of the Retiree Connection. Check out more information about the Water Smarts program at www.prescott-az.gov

Prescott Department of Parks & Recreation Needs Rangers

Do You Like To Bike, Hike and Care About The Outdoors? Volunteer positions are now open for Park Rangers with the City of Prescott. If your have experience in law enforcement or just love the outdoors, we have a position for you. Becoming the eyes and ears of Prescott, will help ensure parks and trails are maintained at the highest levels. Contact us at 777-1588.

Prescott Valley To Open New DES Office. Looking For Volunteers

Volunteer Rita Myers says "I love working with Mark Kendall at the DES (Department of Economic Security) in Prescott. It's wonderful to feel so appreciated and needed. There's a new DES Building opening in Prescott Valley in October and they need a dynamic volunteer to run the reception area. Interested? Call Jim Ayers at 928-759-0316. These are such great people to work with!"

Travel Discounts for Volunteers and Educators!

Have you volunteered for eight hours with a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization? You can get a free or half-off night's stay at one of 53 hotels, which are scattered across 23 U.S. states. In other words: Give a day, get a night.

This promotion, which we just found out about on the Jauntsetter blog, is being offered by Sage Hospitality as a way to support volunteerism. They're only giving out a limited number of completely free hotel stays, but the 50% discounts will run through March 2010, so you have plenty of time to plan your getaway.

Sage also offers a deal for active and retired teachers and school administrators! Educators can get a 50% discount on rooms at all the company's hotels, up until December 30, 2009.

I love the idea behind these promotions. There are already plenty of rewards out there for those who travel frequently or have certain corporate affiliations. Now, people are getting rewarded for choosing to volunteer (anywhere!) or work in schools.

Disneyland and Disney World are planning to get in on the action too, starting in January 2010, when they'll offer free days at its theme parks after completing certain volunteer projects.

Looking For A Great Volunteer Opportunity?

Click Our Image For A List of Great Volunteer Opportunities

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Post Your New Volunteer Needs With The Retiree Connection

It's as easy as a click. So please click on our spring flowers and you will be directed to our volunteer needs form that I will post to our web-letter to help meet your volunteer needs. Have questions? Call Donna Bellina at 928-717-7633

A Taste of Cinco de Mayo With Chef Bryan

Have A Craving For Some Great Mexican Food? Come to Lunch with Chef Bryan on Friday May 6, one day after Cinco de Mayo, and celebrate the cuisine of our neighbor to the south! The event will be held at Esther Hall in the Prescott United Methodist Church from 11am-2pm. It will be donation-only, with proceeds supporting the poverty relief services of the Coalition for Compassion and Justice. The menu: Fresh Salsa and Chips Guacamole Taco bar with all the fixins Tostadas, Burritos Carne Asada Slow-cooked Vegetarian Pinto Beans Spanish Rice Cinnamon chocolate mousse

Holiday Volunteering

The holidays bring people together. Families, companies, and friends. Check out some of the innovative holiday volunteer ideas from Volunteer Match.com that will make great connections for your organizations all year long.

Federal Grants For Senior Citizens

Click on the flag to view some of the federal grants available to Senior Citizens. The more you know the more you grow.

Catholic Charities Needs Volunteers For Their Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is part of a federal initiative to ensure intended tax credits reach the underserved in our communities; this includes the low-moderate income population, the elderly, disabled, limited English proficient, non-urban and Native American tax-payers.

Under the most recent changes to tax regulations a qualified family with three children is eligible for up to $5,600.00. This is a life changing amount of money for families living at or below the poverty line. Catholic Charities is partnering with NACOG, New Horizons and United Way to bring this free service to the community. This is an organized and well structured volunteer run program. All returns will be prepared and submitted on-line using Tax Wise software.

For those who are interested but don't want to prepare returns the VITA program is also looking for screeners, quality reviewers, greeters, and bilingual assistance. Contact Haley Hyatt @ 708-7279 for more information.

Jodie Buehler Joins The Lifelong Learning Team

The Retiree Connection, Community Education and OLLI extend a very happy welcome to their new Division Assistant Jodie Buehler. Jodi worked for College President James Horton for 4 years before she joined Lifelong Learning.

Check Out Yavapai College College For Kids Summer Camp. Get those grandkids signed up!

Have A Volunteer Experience To Share? Call The Retiree Connection at 928-717-7633

Share What You Know

Become An OLLI Facilitator. OLLI offers support, training and mentoring to new facilitators. For further information call 928-717-7634

Summer Camp! Fun Things Offered At College For Kids. Click On The Sun To Take You To Our Website

College for Kids is a wonderful opportunity for your child to attend classes on the Yavapai College Prescott campus. If rockets, minerals and fossils, gardening or hiking are of interest, we have fun and challenging outdoor classes for your kids. Arts and crafts, drama, dance, creative writing and learning about cultures will keep them busy and engaged.

"Immigration 101" Event

The Retiree Connection along with Sacred Heart Parish Church and Prescott College are collaborating on an immigration information session event for legal permanent residents, naturalization applicants and the general public. Topics covered in this informative event will be the immigration process, immigration fraud and how to prevent yourself from being a victim. The event will take place at Sacred Heart Parish Church on Thursday, May 5 from 6:00 - 9:00. Prescott College will provide great food and 5 bands during this empowering event. Celebrate Cinco de Mayo and the power of community. Phone 928-445-3141 Ext 323 with any further questions. Click on the image to take you to Sacred Heart Parish Citizenship Website.

When You're Not Volunteering

AARP Offers A Bevy of Brain Stimulating Games...With Just A Click You're There

Recipe, Holiday Wishes And The Promise Of Adventure From EdVentures

To put you in the mood for the holidays and for the EDventures trip to Italy in June, Sherry Cornett, a culinary instructor at Yavapai College, shares a favorite, healthy recipe for your family or gathering. Sherry will be leading the EDventures trip to Italy scheduled May 28 to June 7, 2011. You will travel through the regions of central Italy tasting the fruits of the fields – olive oils, balsamic vinegars, hams, cold cuts, cheeses, wines and herbs. Find out about the origins of the slow food movement while learning to cook from some of the best chefs of the country. Walk the ancient cobblestones where this favorite, distinctive style of cooking originated. For more information, please call Barbara at the EDventures office: 717-7755. Hurry, this trip will fill up quickly! Buon appetito!

Seasons Greetings from OLLI

Happy Holidays from everyone at OLLI! Looking for an idea for a gift? Give the gift of learning! OLLI memberships start at $40, and are a wonderful gift for a family member or friend! Patricia Berlowe Administrator, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Yavapai College (928) 717-7634 patricia.berlowe@yc.edu

OLLI Vista Alex Finnarn Bids Us Farewell

Alex is heading to Cleveland, Ohio to continue his Americorps VISTA experience with the Tremont West Development Corporation. He will assume the role of Community Organizer helping to revitalize the Tremont neighborhood in Cleveland. Alex has previously been involved in neighborhood restoration when he was down in New Orleans rebuilding homes in the community of Chalmette, LA, and he looks forward to helping out another community in late November. He will miss his friends in Prescott, the OLLI office, and of course working beside the lovely Donna Bellina.

Check Out OLLI'S Latest Blog

AmeriCorps VISTA Alex Finnarn has created a blog for the OLLI Program on the Prescott Campus. Check out what's new and what's happening.

Community Education Welcomes Barbara Yarrow

Barbara Yarrow is the new Program Coordinator for Yavapai College Community Education. Barbara ran the Community Education Program at Pima Community College before relocating back to Prescott with her husband Bud. Barbara's plans for Community Education include creating unique innovative learning opportunities for all ages. To talk with Barbara in person or to find out more about teaching and learning opportunities call 928-717-7638.

Yavapai County Business Assistance Center Offers Workshop

Are You An Entrepreneur? Don't Miss This Workshop

Don't Miss This One Time Performance

Sunday, October 17 at 3:00 at the Yavapai College Performance Hall

AARP Hosts Community Health Forum In Prescott

Congress recently enacted a new health care law that will bring a number of benefits to Americans, including people 50 and over. In an effort to help people understand the new law, AARP Arizona will host a community forum in Prescott on Friday, July 30. The community forum will be held at the Prescott Community Adult Center, 1280B East Rosser in Prescott from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Friday, July 30. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is requested as seating is limited. To register click on the image above.

Jodie Buehler Producer of Senior Moment wins Program of the Year Award

Cudos to Jodie Buehler, Administrative Assistant for The Division of Lifelong Learning for winning the Public ACCESS 13 award for the Community Service Program of the Year. From all of us in the Division of Lifelong Learning (OLLI, Community Education/College for Kids, EDventures and The Retiree Connection) congratulations Jodie. We also want to extend our appreciation to all of you who voted for our monthly public access television show called Senior Moment: Successful Aging. We couldn’t have done it without your votes. Thank you!

Join People Who Care For A Great Chili Supper

Light up your taste buds in celebration of People Who Care in Chino Valley. Join them for an all you can eat chili supper at the 5-M Ranch at 764 W. Road 1 South. Be there on Saturday, May 15th from 4 - 7pm. A $5.00 suggested donation which helps support the Chino Valley Program of People Who Care. Listen to some great entertainment provided by BOOTS & BUSTLES and THE PRESCOTT PLAYBOYS. Yum-yum and more yum.

Deni Harris teaches Wise Women's Gathering for Community Education

Never have I heard so much laughter or seen such a full class. OLLI staff member Deni Harris has managed to bring women together to help them discover their gift of feminine wisdom and apply it to navigating their lives in peace. Deni's class starts with the book "Taking The Leap" by Pema Chodron. I don't know what they're doing in there but it sure sounds fun. I think it may be life changing. For further information about the Wise Women's Gathering class contact Heather Hurst in Community Education at 928-717-7638. To read excerpts from "Taking the Leap" click on Deni's (in blue) lovely picture.

Alex's Corner

AmeriCorps VISTA Alex Finnarn says the best thing about being the Technology Director for OLLI at the Prescott campus is the great stories the members share with him. They offer advice and share their own life experience which has added value to some of the decisions Alex has had to make concerning issues within his project. "We're both learning better ways to communicate with each other. The members are starting to embrace some technology and I'm gaining insight from their own life experience." Alex is from the "Buckeye" State of Ohio and apparently it is common practice to wear a red nose when interviewed. It's great having Alex in the Division of Lifelong Learning as a fellow VISTA, co-worker and friend. Nice Alex.

The Black Widow of Prescott

This story is based on the life of one of Prescott's most famous and colorful Madams. A large part of her story has been screamed as headlines from the front pages of various news papers to being unfairly exploited in the 1925 Silent film The Red Kimona. But did anyone really know her? Find out on August 22 at The Elks Opera House. Times are 1:00 and 5:00 pm.

Animals In Art Event

Animals in Art examines the unique place animals have in the human heart as nature supplies the subject and the artists supply the talent. For further information click on the llama. Admission is free.

Greeters needed for "Animals In Art Event" held at Prescott Fine Arts Gallery

The Animals In Art show at Prescott Fine Arts Gallery will open on April 30 with the reception taking place from 5 – 7 pm. In conjunction with the animal theme, they will be inviting a few animal rescue groups and animal related vendors to have tables on their patio area. If you are a non-profit you will not be required to pay the $10.00 table fee. They will provide participants with a table. This is a great chance for animal organizations to talk to visitors and distribute their materials. This wonderful event helps to stimulate awareness and revenue to the wonderful organizations that rescue, board, rehabilitate and adopt animals. The event is open to the public. Please contact Scott Heide @ 458-9521 or Raelynn Wrinkle @ 899-8869.

National Volunteer Week - Nominate Outstanding Volunteers

It's that time of year again: time to honor the volunteers who have helped your organization be its best. Whether they've donated an hour, a day, or have made a long-term commitment, National Volunteer Week is the time to say thank you.

Take a moment to think about the ways you can show volunteers your appreciation. Remember, even a simple gesture such as a handmade card or a pizza party can go a long way. Over at HandsOn Network, organizations can nominate volunteers for a number of awards that honor outstanding commitment to making a difference.

Who Is This Guy?

Noted author...musician...radio show host...who can this guy be?

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Meet Jon Meyer New Director of The Prescott Fine Arts Association

Prescott Fine Arts Association welcomes Jon Meyer as their new Executive Director. Jon has been an active theatre professional for 30 years. Originally from Long Island New York Jon served for 8 years as the Cultural Arts and Artistic Director of the Sarasota Jewish Theatre. The Retiree Connection welcomes Jon to the community and looks forward to helping and supporting Jon and the Prescoot Fine Arts Association with their volunteer needs.

Don't tell the Donor.org!

An humorous look non-profits and fundraising

Whole Planet Foundation

Micro-lending with The Whole Planet Foundation. Volunteers make a global difference.

Whatever The Reason...Whatever the Season

We believe volunteering will transform you...and the world around you.

RETIREE CONNECTION VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

"The more you volunteer the stronger the civic fabric of your community."

Brain Fog? Read More About It.

Read this informative article from ProHealth about why we experience "brain fog" and what we can do to improve it.

New VISTA joins OLLI and Score

Alex Finnarn of Greenville Ohio is spending a year through AmeriCorps VISTA to help to implement a distance learning system for OLLI and SCORE. "I'm going to Vegas and I'm not coming back."

We salute Liz Toone, Executive Director of New Horizons Independent Living Center

“We at New Horizons Independent Living Center believe that a disability should not be considered a flaw in the human condition , but rather a distinction; an element that makes an individual unique. People with disabilities like all other people are deserving of equal treatment and full integration within our communities.”

The Prescott Film Festival Invites Volunteers

Be a part of building a film festival from the ground up.

J.C. Adams gives support to the Community Education Department through the AARP TAP Program

J.C. Adams is helping Community Ed Director Heather Hurst with grant research, computer systems, marketing and community outreach. J.C. came to our division through the TAP Program with AARP. She's a welcome addition to our group.